Trump booed by fans at NBA Finals in Madison Square Garden

Basketball fans at Madison Square Garden greeted U.S. President Donald Trump with a chorus of loud boos during Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Trump, attending as a guest of Knicks president James Dolan, became the first sitting U.S. president to attend the championship series, drawing jeers when he appeared on the Jumbotron during the national anthem.

Despite the reception, Trump told reporters he found the experience "very good." The incident highlighted Trump's complex relationship with New York City, his former hometown, where fans lined up amid heightened security for the game. The Knicks, leading the series 2-0, were playing their first home Finals game in 27 years.

“

I thought it was amazing, actually. You mean, when they had the camera on me? I thought it was very good.

Some attendees expressed frustration with Trump's presence. Errol Ismail, a Brooklyn resident, stated, "I wish he wasn't here. He's not a real fan, and he's just making things awful." He felt Trump was making the event about himself, detracting from the long-awaited Knicks appearance.

Trump's attendance coincided with low approval ratings, with a Reuters/Ipsos poll showing about 35% approval. The Spurs ultimately defeated the Knicks 115-111, cutting the series lead to 2-1. The game also drew other celebrities, including filmmaker Spike Lee and comedian Ben Stiller.

“

I wish he wasn't here. He's not a real fan, and he's just making things awful. We've waited a lifetime for this, and he's made it about himself, like everything else.